Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, formally opened the Typhoon Support Centre and Maintenance Facility on Wednesday 30 September 2009, marking the official start of the £450m Typhoon Availability Service (TAS) contract, signed between the MOD and BAE Systems in March.
The Minister commented:
"These world class facilities demonstrate MOD's determination to ensure multi-role Royal Air Force Typhoon squadrons can meet their operational commitments backed up by efficient and cost-effective support arrangements.
"I applaud the efforts of all concerned to keep this programme on time and on budget."
BAE Systems has built upon the experience gained on other aircraft support contracts to ensure that Typhoon will benefit from a partnering arrangement with the MOD, designed to maximise aircraft availability for the front line.
Over its initial five-year life, the TAS contract will create about 150 jobs and help to safeguard up to 350 more at Coningsby and at the BAE Systems' sites at Samlesbury and Warton in Lancashire.
Work on the wider Typhoon programme is also being undertaken by Rolls-Royce at Filton and Ansty, and by Selex at Edinburgh and Luton.
Director Combat Air, Air Vice Marshal Simon Bollom, said:
"Since its introduction to service in 2007, the Typhoon has provided the RAF with a significant and increasing capability in both the air-to-air and air-to-surface roles.
"This availability contract is vital in establishing the optimum support arrangements for such a major programme.
"Maximising aircraft availability by using the most cost-effective solution can only serve to bring long-term benefit to the RAF, MOD and industry."
RAF and civilian engineers will work hand-in-hand in a new hangar constructed by the MOD at RAF Coningsby to ensure targets are met.
Typhoon is the RAF's newest high-performance multi-role fighter, capable of employment in a wide range of roles, including air defence and ground attack.
Gradually replacing the Tornado F3, the Typhoon is currently based at RAF Coningsby, with RAF Leuchars in Fife designated as a second operating base from next year.
